Snow chains required or not with AWD?

[Old Ranchero]

I ordered my XL with Eco 2.0 and AWD for multiple other reasons, but recently I have been seeing references to not needing snow chains in AWD vehicles. I live in CO and this time of year you can get into snow chains required areas when traveling. I'm wondering if the no chains with AWD is legit ? Anyone have any direct knowledge or experience with this issue?

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[pnorwood54]

I ordered my XL with Eco 2.0 and AWD for multiple other reasons, but recently I have been seeing references to not needing snow chains in AWD vehicles. I live in CO and this time of year you can get into snow chains required areas when traveling. I'm wondering if the no chains with AWD is legit ? Anyone have any direct knowledge or experience with this issue?

i think i read chains void the warranty

 

[Mavapa]

I ordered my XL with Eco 2.0 and AWD for multiple other reasons, but recently I have been seeing references to not needing snow chains in AWD vehicles. I live in CO and this time of year you can get into snow chains required areas when traveling. I'm wondering if the no chains with AWD is legit ? Anyone have any direct knowledge or experience with this issue?

This is from the CODOT web site:
“
During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have EITHER:

1. 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth
2. Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth
3. Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth
4. Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth
5. Chains or an approved alternative traction device”

 

[mla_anderson]

This is from the manual
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_07_2021.pdf#page339

 

[fbov]

1. 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth
2. Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth

Their criteria were clearly written by a politician, who was loath to exclude anyone. I can't remember the last RADIAL tire I saw without an M&S icon, save for track tires. And Hoosiers would be legal on a 4x4....

 

[vezpa]

Watch this video and pay attention to who is running chains. It should answer all your questions.



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[MAVelous]

NO CHAINS NECESSARY!!!!

Drive Mode= Normal
Slippery Mode= Selected

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qq0rwzporha045f/Mav Snow Machine.mp4?dl=0

 

[TSAINTS1115]

Watch this video and pay attention to who is running chains. It should answer all your questions.



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Natures I.Q. test.

 

[Barracuda340]

This is from the CODOT web site:
“
During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have EITHER:

1. 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16” tread depth
2. Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16” tread depth
3. Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16” tread depth
4. Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16” tread depth
5. Chains or an approved alternative traction device”

I read it as a take your pick partially based on what vehicle config you have. If I lived there I would choose #1 because I have AWD , add the traction cable type "chains" when needed. I lived in the northeast years ago and had to deal with that B.S. every winter. Now I live in west Texas the last 28 yesrs. We still get snow storms and packed icy roads. Along with non existant snow removal equipment, and ID10Ts sliding all over the place. This is the only reason why I went with AWD. I also make sure to keep plenty of PDO time for work in winter, then when our yearly snow B.S. happens, I do that 4am call in, and get payed 10 hours for staying home.

 

[tomahawk72]

I drove through Maine's last snowstorm of the season into the New Hampshire White Mountains for a Wedding. Put it into Snow mode with my Falken Wildpeak tires and it did fantastic

 

[Jmav2152]

I'll never forget when I lived in Erie PA and we got 54" in 2 days. Driving my ex wife's focus that I put blizzaks on was just blowing past all sorts of 4x4s and bigger sums.


When I move back to ohio I'll be running wilpeak trails which are severe winter rated. Those with AWD should be able To handle anything ohio throws at it.

 

[Delbert]

I got my 2wd hybrid stuck in a little mud ( 2") on a forest road. It had the stock all season radial tires. I would not trust this set up in the snow at all. But being the cheapskate I am, the chances of me buying new tires before winter is unlikely. If you pull off the pavement at all the smart money would buy some A/T tires. I'm not smart so I'll just be careful. These little clamp on chains would have come in handy. There are other plastic chains but I'd use them mostly to get unstuck.
.

I don't see many tire chains on cars or light trucks these day and I spend a lot of time driving to ski areas. My Subaru with AWD and all season tires never seems to get stuck and has left many cars behind on steep snow covered roads. The best part of AWD, ABS and traction control is that it keeps you on the road and you don't get stuck. The Maverick has only 6" of clearance so it would not take much snow or deep ruts before it would turn into a snow plow.

 

[Jah.]

Ford says 8.7 inches clearance for maverick .

 

[FirstFord]

There's what's smart and there's what's required by law. Not necessarily the same.

Here in New England, there are never any traction road closures. You can go wherever the hell you want...or you can try anyway.
A previous poster pasted Colorado highway dept requirements and, as others noted, they're stupid. All season tires on RWD would be allowed with 3/16" tread depth. They won't get you over the pass.

In the PNW, when they're checking, you won't be allowed to proceed without AWD, chains, or proper snow tires.

I was skiing Mt Hood Meadows last March and we had snow the first day. I had a rental car. Fake SUV with FWD and all season tires. They weren't checking so I turned traction control off and was very careful to conserve momentum. I just barely made it. Combination of luck and experience. Would have sucked to get stuck and block the road for everyone else! They don't treat the roads up there like they do in New England! You really do need proper equipment.

Anyway, regardless of what's required, smart money says winter tires on your AWD is the way to go. I put Blizzaks on my wife's Subie for winter. Nothing can stop me. BWAHAHAHAHHA!

 

[Jatrax]

Oregon law says either chains or traction (studded) tires in 'chain up' areas when required.
AWD or 4x4 are exempt if you are under 6,500lbs, have snow tires on and are NOT towing anything. You are still required to have chains on board just not have them on.
I always have chains in the car in winter, have only needed them three times or so but better than being stuck in the middle of the pass. In flat land I don't think I would ever bother if I had snow tires on.

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